Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Soundcore Mini 3 is the better pick: it ranks #9 of 62 small speakers by sound quality (rated 4.1/5), against #46 (rated 2.7/5) for the JBL Clip. If you want one new, the JBL Clip 5 replaces the JBL Clip and is rated 3.4/5 at $49.95.
The Soundcore Mini 3 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass pick. Deeper bass than most speakers its size. Its bass reaches about 58Hz before falling 10dB, against 95Hz for the JBL Clip. It is rated for 15 hours of battery against 5 for the JBL Clip. It is rated IPX7, while the JBL Clip has no water resistance. The tradeoff: Rolled off highs.
The JBL Clip is the lighter pick. Very compact and light (5.3 oz) with an integrated carabiner. At 0.3 lbs (158 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Soundcore Mini 3 at 0.5 lbs (249 g). It keeps a wired aux input, which the Soundcore Mini 3 lacks. The tradeoff: Quite a lack of bass.
Buy the Soundcore Mini 3 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the JBL Clip 5, which replaces the JBL Clip.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore Mini 3 | JBL Clip | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $41 Discontinued | $50 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #9 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #46 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz | ~95Hz |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | None |
| Bluetooth Latency | 160ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 87dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | AC Wall Wart |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (249 g) | 0.3 lbs (158 g) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes (integrated 3.5mm cable) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 3.0 |
| Charging Time | 3-4 hours | - |
| Amplifier Power | 6W | 7W RMS |
| Dimensions | 2.8” x 2.8” x 3.3” (71.1 x 71.1 x 83.8 mm) | 5.4” x 3.8” x 1.8” (137.2 x 96.5 x 45.7 mm) (Clip 3, original JBL Clip dimensions not available) |
| Drivers | 52mm full-range driver | 1.57” (40mm) driver |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | - | Yes (built-in carabiner) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to Soundcore Mini 3:
- Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 vs Soundcore Mini 3
- Soundcore Boom Go 3i vs Soundcore Mini 3
- Tribit Stormbox Micro vs Soundcore Mini 3
- Soundcore Mini 3 vs Tribit Stormbox Micro 3
- Teufel Boomster Go vs Soundcore Mini 3
Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Soundcore Mini 3: $41 Discontinued eBay
Older models: the Soundcore Mini (ranked lower, rated 3.8/5) and the Soundcore Mini 2 (ranked lower, rated 3.3/5). See every Soundcore Mini generation.
Pros: Soundcore Mini 3 uses 52mm full-range driver. Its 249 g, claimed 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX7 protection, up to 87dB and mono playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. Deeper bass than most speakers its size. Measured bass extension of 58Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 58Hz specification. Rolled off highs. Discontinued.
Full Soundcore Mini 3 review and specifications →
| Released | 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 6W |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 160ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 3-4 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 2.8” x 2.8” x 3.3” (71.1 x 71.1 x 83.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 52mm full-range driver |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 87dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (249 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Soundcore Mini 3 vs Soundcore Mini 3 Pro
- Soundcore Mini 3 vs Vifa City
- Soundcore Mini 3 vs Marshall Willen II
- Soundcore Mini 3 vs Teufel Boomster Go
- Soundcore Mini 3 vs Tribit Stormbox Micro 3
- Soundcore Mini 3 vs Ultimate Ears Miniroll
- Soundcore Mini 3 vs Tribit Stormbox Micro
- Soundcore Mini 3 vs Soundcore Mini
- See all 30 comparisons
JBL Clip: $50 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the JBL Clip 5, ranked higher, rated 3.4/5, released Mar 2024. See every JBL Clip generation.
Pros: Very compact and light (5.3 oz) with an integrated carabiner. Has its own built-in 3.5mm aux cable, so you don’t need to carry one separately. Measured bass extension of ~95Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Quite a lack of bass. Mids are a little hollow. Discontinued.
Full JBL Clip review and specifications →
| Released | Jun 2014 (12 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 7W RMS |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes (integrated 3.5mm cable) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~95Hz |
| Battery Life | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 3.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 5.4” x 3.8” x 1.8” (137.2 x 96.5 x 45.7 mm) (Clip 3, original JBL Clip dimensions not available) |
| Drivers | 1.57” (40mm) driver |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | AC Wall Wart |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in carabiner) |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.3 lbs (158 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons